MANILA, Philippines — Sales of imported cars grew 4 percent in 2011 outpacing a slumping domestic industry, which posted a negative four percent growth.

The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors Inc., which groups six local distributors of foreign car companies with a total of 12 foreign car brands, ended the 2011 with total sales of 24,880 units from 23,986 in 2010.

This was driven by sales of passenger cars which rose by 16%.

AVID president Fe Perez-Agudo said the AVID sales was driven by strong sales in the passenger cars. In December alone, AVID sales grew by 4% year-on-year to 1,868 units from 1,799 units in the same month of the previous year.

“Wide acceptance of all-new nameplates and refreshed models, strong advertising, use of multimedia platforms, effective promotions and aggressive financing packages have boosted sales across AVID member companies,” said Agudo.

Of the five AVID members, Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (HARI) led the pack with 20,297 units followed by The Covenant Car Company Inc. (Chevrolet) with 2,763 units.

CATS Motors Inc. (Mercedes Benz), sold a total of 994 units, while PGA Cars Philippines (Audi) sold 446 units, Scandinavian Motors Philippines (Volvo) with 245 units and British United Automobiles Inc. (MINI Cooper) with 135 units.

“As the Philippine economy continues to be resilient against global economic pressures and with our sustained commitment towards delighting our customers even more, AVID is confident that 2012 will yet mark another year of innovation and game-changing initiatives that will keep our brands alive and our customers happier,” Agudo said.

The biggest challenge in 2012, she said, is navigating through the global crisis as uncertainties in Europe and the US continue to affect the Philippines.

She cited the GDP Consensus forecasts from the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and International Monetary Fund of 4.2 percent. Strong macroeconomic fundamentals and a good financial position will keep the economy afloat. (BCM)